Manchester Metropolitan University, BA (Hons), Childhood and Youth Studies and Sociology

Childhood and youth studies Year 1: This year provides the student with an introduction to psychological and sociological perspectives on children’s development, together with an examination of the meanings of childhood and youth in different settings and cultures, and the associated research methodology; study options offer the possibility to explore the broader links with a chosen area of social science in relation to social policy or health. Year 2: the student pursues their own research interests and skills through a group project; further focused study of children’s intellectual and language development and critical evaluation of research and educational testing is also provided, together with the opportunity to examine significant issues connected with schooling, children’s rights and health. Year 3: in the final year social science perspectives are applied to contemporary issues affecting children and young people; the student may complete a dissertation on a topic of their choosing. Sociology Year 1: the student is introduced to sociological methods to collect information on the individual and society, which may include: theories on family history; social welfare policies; criminology; knowledge and practice associated with sociology of health. Year 2: the student’s theoretical and methodical skills are enhanced by exploring perspectives around social inequalities and by offering the opportunity for the student to conduct supervised research in the form of project work; topics on schooling and youth, organised crime, social policy and contemporary issues in health may also be studied. Year 3: the course focuses on the sociological imagination, allowing the student to engage with various theories and methods on contemporary society, while developing their own personal research project

This is a combined Honours course which allows the student to study 2 subjects at degree level; the childhood and youth studies course uses a multi-disciplinary, social science approach to the study of children and young people; it has a commitment to reflexive practice and learning; the sociology course explores specialist areas including social policy, health and crime; graduates proceed to a wide variety of jobs, mainly in the people-centred occupations, further study or research; the flexibility and choice offered by the combined Honours programme means that graduates are able to pursue an exceptionally diverse range of careers; the student aims to acquire key personal and professional development skills and the study of 2 subjects develops multiple skills and a breadth of experience, both of which are a positive advantage in many careers; this combined course is studied at the Cheshire Alsager and Crewe Campuses.